Mormon Prom

This weekend my daughter and her friends attended a Mormon Prom. They were joined with youth, ages 16-18, from four of the LDS stakes located in our area. I am not sure of the exact number in attendance - but it was a lot of youth!
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Note:  I was not involved in the planning.  I am simply a parent of a youth who attended.  Thank you to those individuals who volunteered their time, their talents, and their resources to create a wonderful night for our youth!
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Cover Photo
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What is Mormon Prom?
Mormon Prom is an alternate "prom" experience for youth. A night where youth are surrounded with others who share the same values and high standards they are trying to live themselves. It isn't held in all areas, but I am happy we are in an area where one is held. I am not sure where this originated from, but I think this is wonderful. For all intents and purposes... the youth seem to think this is the prom of all proms!
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This is what has been done in our area:
Mormon Prom is held on the night of the month's already planned Quad Stake Dance.  Youth 16-18 are invited to attend.  (kind of reminds me of the original Gold and Green Ball which used to be held). 
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The boys ask the girls in classic form - in unique, fun, creative ways!  Which in turn, the girls respond in the same fashion.  :)   Brie's date, Kurt, showed up at our house while she was out for the night.  He decorated her bedroom with streamers - the question written out on a poster board and on her mirrors.  He had quite a few helpers.  Luckily, he called ahead and asked permission to decorate her room - giving me just enough time to make sure it was presentable and all personal items put away. :) 
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Side-note:  All youth 16-18 are encouraged to take part, whether with a formal date or in a group.
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This year there was a website set-up for registration.
One huge difference between a Mormon Prom and a tradition prom - the price.  Do you know of any young men who do not go to prom due to the cost.  I do!  And families who may struggle to pay for tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers, photographs, dinner?  Well, let your burdens be light(ened).  :)  I read an article where the cost of a ticket to Mormon Prom in their area was $10.00 and that included dinner!  Another area offered professional photographs for free.  How wonderful is that?  Our youth were not charged for anything.  They only needed to worry about what to wear and how to get there.  :)
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In keeping with prom history, girls still stress over finding the right dress.  In this case, a modest one.  There are some who chose to go with the traditional full length dress.  Others, including Brie and her friend, Lauren, chose a more modern route.  So darling!
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Brie searched high and low.  She tried on some really adorable dresses.  When asked by sales associates what the occasion was she said with a smile, "Prom."  In addition to the dresses she was interested in, she tried on a few dresses that were chosen for her by the sales associates.  The dresses were all cute and/or beautiful, but less modest.  She wasn't afraid to let them know she was looking for something she felt comfortable in and was modest. 
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In one particular store, after trying on a dress that fit her wonderfully, but was not as modest, she told the sales associate she didn't feel comfortable in it.  As Brie went back into her dressing room to change into another dress, the woman looked at me - like I was the one to blame for Brie not liking the dress (she obviously does not know my daughter) - and said, "Come on. It's prom."  Trying to get me to let this one slide, because it was prom.  I thought to myself, why does a young woman have to wear an immodest dress just because it's prom?  The answer, no reason at all.  There are subtle pressures everywhere, aren't there?
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Brie turned these moments into an opportunity to "shine".  While trying on a dress (finally deciding on the one she wore to prom) she explained to the associate that the dance she was going to was great because she and her friends didn't have to worry about listening to inappropriate music or awkward dance moves.  To overhear her "shining" in the world, not knowing I was listening in, was awesome!  And even more awesome was the response from the young associate, she was sincere in letting Brie know she thought that sounded wonderful!
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The day of prom was filled with excitement.  A couple of Brie and Lauren's friends, who haven't reached the ripe old age of 16 yet, offered to be their personal stylists.  A huge thank you to Emily Cleveland (one of Brie's past YW leaders) who did an amazing job with their make-up!
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Adorable girls!  My son wanted in on the photo.  He's a lucky little boy! 
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Parents and friends were invited to gather for a photo session before the youth head out for the evening. Thank you to the Arnold family for offering up their beautiful backyard for photographs. (and the ice water) The photo above gives you an idea of those who gathered for their group's photo session. Such great support!
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This group of youth were lucky enough to have a fun and generous couple offer to drive them around in their personal bus, "Miss B. Haven".   (Yah, I know. Cute name!)
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Dinner was held before the dance (6:00 pm). Provided and served by the adult leaders/parents. Dance from 8:00-11:00. My understanding is, that in the past, the dinner has been held at one building - the dance in another. This year both dinner and dance were held at the same building. I wonder how the take-down/set-up went in between? :)
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This group of friends had a great time at the dance, but left a little early because the boys had one more item on the adgenda.  They had their drivers take them back to the home where they had taken their photos.
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I understand they danced under the stars (in the driveway) one last time before changing into more comfortable clothes.  The night ended with a game of flahlight tag and s'mores.   Hopefully they all returned home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.
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What are the Guidelines?
The night is based on the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth" provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, for youth ages 12-18.  In a nutshell:
  • good uplifting music
  • modest dress
  • appropriate (non-suggestive) dance
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Where is Mormon Prom Held?
This all depends on the area.  This year in our area, Central California, Mormon Prom was held at the LDS Stake Center, which shares a parking lot with the Fresno California LDS Temple.
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How do you plan a Mormon Prom in your area?
I suppose the idea needs to be shared with leaders in your area first.  :)  Then, once approved...  let the planning begin.  Remember to make it affordable for the youth, incorporate good music, encourage modest dress, expect appropriate dancing, and send the youth home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.
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LINKS TO OTHER STORIES & RESOURCES
A Night To Remember, New Era 2007 - Michigan
A Brand New Year 2010: Dating, video - lds.org/youth
Mormon Prom Celebrates 7th Year, The Orange County Register - Southern California
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